Tripura Floods: 1.17 lakh people in relief camps, death toll reaches 26
Agartala: The flood situation in Tripura, which began on August 19, is gradually improving but it has affected 1.17 lakh people and damaged 20,289 houses, with the death toll now at 26.
According to a press release by the Relief, Rehabilitation & Disaster Management Department, 525 relief camps are currently operational, providing shelter to over 1.17 lakh people across the state. The statement highlighted that continuous heavy rainfall from August 19-24 led to a significant rise in river levels, particularly the Gomati River at Sonamura, which remains above the danger level.
While rainfall has decreased over the past two days, with the highest recorded at 42.5mm in Bodhjungnagar, Agartala, the situation continues to be monitored closely by the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister also convened an All-Party Meeting, where leaders from major political parties pledged their full support in addressing the disaster.
As of today, three teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and two from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively involved in rescue operations across three districts. Additionally, around 500 volunteers from Civil Defense and Aapda Mitra are engaged in ongoing relief and rescue efforts. So far, approximately 27,000 food packets have been distributed in Gomati and South Tripura Districts.
The report also confirmed that 26 lives have been lost, with two people injured and two others still missing. Preliminary assessments indicate extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, buildings, power lines, embankments, agricultural crops, houses, and livestock. Of the 20,289 damaged houses, 1,610 are fully destroyed, 1,633 are severely damaged, and 17,046 are partially damaged. The disrupted section of NH-08 in the Atharamura Hills, which was affected by landslides and wide cracks due to incessant rain, is now open to light vehicles.
The State Executive Committee of the State Disaster Management Authority, chaired by the Chief Secretary of Tripura, held a meeting on August 24 to review the flood situation, assess preliminary damages, and plan for immediate and long-term relief and restoration measures. The state government, in collaboration with various departments and central agencies, remains committed to minimizing the disaster's impact on citizens.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected today, with a Red Alert issued for South Tripura District and an Orange Alert for Dhalai and Gomati Districts. Citizens are advised to exercise caution.
